Essay Writing Tips

Getting Started Look closely at what the question is asking you Determine what type of essay you are required to write e.g. analytical, expository, persuasive Brainstorm ideas and plan Collect quotes/examples Discuss = talk about in depth, look at all aspects of an idea

Essay Structure Introduction Body (3 - 5 paragraphs) Conclusion

Introduction Start with a famous quote related to the topic. It can be something said about the text in media or something from the text itself. Use key words in the question to start your essay. Mention the name of the text/genre and author’s name. Briefly write your main points that you are going to discuss in your body paragraphs.

Paragraph Structure- reminder Topic sentence Expand Evidence Explain Link Need at least three specific examples/quotes. Need to explain each

Paragraph Structure (paragraph 1) Topic Sentence – the last point from your introduction Expand - explain how the point is relevant to the question. Evidence- at least three specific examples and one quote Explain your evidence (1-2 sentences) Link back to topic/prompt using one sentence.

Paragraphs (2-5) Topic Sentence – the next point from your introduction BUT start it with a connecting word or idea so it links to the previous paragraph. This creates coherence) Expand - explain how the point is relevant to the question. Evidence- at least three specific examples and one quote Explain your evidence (1-2 sentences) Link back to topic/prompt using one sentence.  

Quotes Why quotes are used? 1. To prove that your ideas are correct 2. To illustrate your point of view 3. To demonstrate how you arrived at an original idea of your own Quotations can never stand by themselves. They must be introduced and explained.

Integrate Quotes Quotes must be integrated in your writing to maintain cohesiveness. Use an introducing phrase or orienter plus the quotation. After Frank has been arrested by his own brother and locked away in the basement, Julian again uses family power to try and break Frank out, yelling at Wes “you don’t lock up your brother. A respected man. A war hero.”

Integrate Quotes Use your own assertion and a colon plus the quotation. Julian’s responsibilities were to ensure safety for people in Montana but instead Julian uses this power for personal gain, going against the law and going by his rules: “they couldn’t arrest us, we are the law”.

Integrate Quotes Use your own assertion with quoted material integrated. Wes believes that “in this world, people must pay for their crimes”. Use key words. The Indians contemptuously referred to as “red meat” by Julian are classified as second-class citizens and are given a reservation which was the “sandiest, least arable land in the region”.

Conclusion Write an overview of the essay- general statements about the points made in the body of the essay. Don’t just repeat what you have already stated.

Key Points to remember for T E E E E E E L Start with broad ideas in the Topic Sentence Expand the ideas in the Expansion Sentence No characters or evidence until sentence 3 3 examples, minimum, per paragraph Explain how each example demonstrates the idea Link back to the essay question

Dos Do answer the question (focus) Do integrate quotes Do use relevant, specific examples Do follow the structure Do proof read for spelling and grammar Do use conjunctions to make your ideas coherent. (see connecting words sheet) Do use present tense, not the past tense, when writing about a work of fiction (including plays and films). For example: Wes Hayden struggles between family and duty.

Do Not Do not use personal pronouns. ( I think/I believe) Do not use long quotes. Do not use abbreviations, slang, conversational language. Do not use brackets Do not refer to the author by his first name only Do not refer to the text as a book. Mention the correct genre e.g. play, novel, film etc.